It seems like not a day goes by without you witnessing some kind of magical weight-loss-promising product. There’s a pill, gel and machine to target any problem wellness area on your behalf – with absolutely no effort of your part, of course. More often than not, you see such adverts and change the channel, or write it off without much thought, but there’s always one product you see and think “well, maybe…” Being overweight is a real concern in this country, and millions put their wellbeing at risk by buying into these shams. In actual fact, the only way to lose weight is to exercise and eat right, and anything else on top of that can only help you along in that journey. If you do want a boost – and just a boost, mind – to your weight loss wellness, it’s better to opt for natural, home remedies, so even if they don’t work, you’re not putting yourself in any danger. Here are a few natural remedies that can help make your efforts more effective:
1. Flaxseed: The outer coating on flaxseed is the thing that makes you feel fuller, and so it’s this miracle layer that aids you in your weight loss. By feeling fuller, you’re less likely to overindulge in unhealthy snacks and meals, and so you can lose weight more quickly. Moreover, flaxseed is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids which is good for your heart – and that’s always a good bonus! As flaxseeds are naturally flavourless, they won’t negatively affect the taste of your food, but they might add a nice little crunch. Simply crush them up and add them to soups, cereals, salads, and oats.
2. Green Tea: There’s no denying the immense popularity of green tea for weight loss, but where does it come from? The reason why so many people are switching from coffee to green tea is because of its high antioxidant capacity. In addition, research shows that green tea is capable of boosting your metabolism and burning fat, both of which can be a great help when you’re trying to lose weight. Plus, as you don’t drink green tea with milk or sugar, you can cut down on unnecessary calories.
3. Cinnamon: You might reserve this spice for Christmas, but cinnamon is a weight loss aid you should consume all year long. By activating the insulin receptors and enzyme systems involved in carbohydrate metabolism, cinnamon helps your body to regulate your blood sugar levels, increase metabolism and reduce bad cholesterol. Add a little to your coffee or tea, sprinkle some on your breakfast cereals, or try making healthy baked goods such as flapjacks, with added cinnamon.
4. Black Pepper: Adding black pepper to your foods aids in weight loss the same way that any hot food does; the piperine in black perpper acts as a digestive while also helping to prevent the formation of fat. Moreover, spicy foods tend to inspire you to become more active, which is a mightily important part of any weight loss programme. And the best thing is you can add black pepper to almost any dish.
5. Turmeric: There are many studies purporting the benefits of turmeric, with scientists even researching methods to see if it can be used to fight cancer. Therefore, it’s not hard to see how this Indian spice can aid in weight loss. As well as reducing your risk of health concerns such as diabetes, studies have shown that turmeric helps metabolise fat. Add turmeric to any Indian-style dish, such as veggies, rice, curries, and dahls.